20 | Shopping Frenzy!

[godsoffortune]

Who: Everyone!
What: Helping a grand opening go well
When: August 21
Where: The Near Shore
Summary: The owners and employees at a new shopping center are begging for help. Bad luck has plagued them, and their grand opening is this weekend! Gods and shinki alike have been asked to respond to their prayers on Opening Day, find the source of their misfortune and ensure that the opening goes smoothly.



The Yamada Corporation is opening a new, high-class department store in a Tokyo suburb. They've been running advertisements for weeks and excitement among their prospective customers is at a fever pitch. Unfortunately, things inside the project aren't going so well. Construction has been delayed, deliveries are wrong, employees keep getting sick or hurt on the job and it's starting to look like the grand opening will be a grand disaster. Their fervent prayers for help have reached the Heavens, who are passing them along to you to be granted... but with an addition: Heaven, too, is very interested in learning where that bad luck is coming from.



Maintenance Madness

For a brand-new building, Yamada Department Store is having a lot of maintenance issues. Toilets are overflowing, lights are burning out, stair railings are coming loose, and either the air conditioning is set so cold there's frost on the vents or it's not working at all. The overworked maintenance crew needs all the help they can get! How many gods does it take to change a light bulb?

Secret Shoppers

Are you really going undercover to make sure you stop problems before they start, or just enjoying a day of high-class shopping on Heaven's dime? Whatever your real motivation is, all expenses are covered... but you'll still want to keep an eye out for mishaps. Unfortunately, the grocery and bakery in the basement are under construction (they've had some flooding problems) but there are still six floors of designer clothes, consumer goods and restaurants to enjoy.

Retail Rescue

Between mysterious accidents and that nasty flu that seems to be going around, the department store is badly understaffed. Grab an employee uniform and someone else's nametag and pitch in before the lines get too long. There are positions open in every department, from the restaurant on the top floor to book sales on floor one.

It's not just sales and service you have to worry about: thanks to the store's misfortune, displays are toppling over, the wrong orders are coming in, fancy candies are melting all over the shelves and ink tags are exploding on their own. This is hard work!

Intrepid Investigators

The Heavens aren't just sending so much supernatural help to this department store to keep their faithful followers happy. They have reason to suspect that there's something more sinister behind this mysterious streak of extra-bad luck. Between keeping the lights on and the customers happy,
you've been asked to search the store and investigate all of the "unlucky" incidents in order to determine what's going on. The shinki who brought you this request hinted that Heaven would look favorably on anyone who uncovered something particularly useful....

If your character is investigating the department store and needs to know what they have found, please comment to the "Investigations" thread below with a link to your thread. Your hint will be provided.

Investigation threads longer than 10 comments will earn 200 followers for every god in the thread and 20 exp for every shinki. Once your thread reaches that length, please turn it in by replying to your hint under the "Investigations" thread to let us know you've earned the bonus.

In Summary:

• Keep the lights on
• Take some time out to enjoy a shopping trip
• Make sure the customers are happy
• Discover the cause of the bad luck
• Have fun~

Comments

OTA

[kagenonadeshiko]

Secret Shoppers - 3rd Floor

[Though Hakkai provides well for her, Ayumu can't resist the opportunity to expand her wardrobe on someone else's dime for a change. Most of her current clothing is summer wear but autumn will be here before long so it'd be best to prepare while she has the chance. She's been looking at a lot of fashion magazines in her spare time, trying to get more of a feel for how women dress and what styles she might like to try, too. It's a good opportunity

And that's why Ayumu is pushing around a shopping cart heaped with designer clothing in a variety of styles ranging from cute, to modest and feminine, to stuff that wouldn't look out of place in a hostess bar. There's some lingerie purchases mixed in, most of it of the slinky, black or ivory lace variety.

Despite the fact Ayumu appears to be on an ongoing quest to slowly but steadily buy out the floor, there's still something she hasn't been able to find so she turns to the nearest Far Shore resident and taps them on the shoulder.]

Excuse me but have you seen any cosmetics on this floor?

Secret Shoppers - 5th Floor

[Ayumu's just about finished her shopping which is good because by this point she's just about run out of room in her cart. Her final stop is housewares where she's currently inspecting boxed teasets. She fully intended to make good on her promise to Hakkai to replace the dishes she'd smashed while the temple had been haunted. And of course, it'd be nice to surprise him with a thank you gift for all he's done for her, too.

None of them really strike her as anything he'd particularly enjoy until she looks up and spots one that looks promising on a high shelf, quite a bit out of her reach. That's not much of a deterrent, however; Ayumu simply starts pushing wares out of the way to make a path to climb up. Once she's scaled up the shelves to inspect it more closely, she realized that she's not going to be able to get it back down without dropping it.

Ayumu hops back down to the floor, scanning the area for someone tall enough to reach. Once she spots one, she heads toward them immediately.]

Excuse me but could you get something off the top shelf for me? I can't reach.

Intrepid Investigators - 6th Floor

[Despite all appearances to the contrary, Ayumu hasn't forgotten the real reason they're here. There's a mystery afoot that needs investigating. Once all her shopping's complete, she heads up to the service counter on the sixth floor, cart still in tow, looking for any managers or workers that might be able to shed any more light on the incidents leading up to the problems plaguing the building today, including anyone that happened to suffered a sudden behavior change or begin to act strangely at any point.

Ayumu can also be found in the food court, lingering near any employees that happen to be on break and eavesdropping on any conversations pertaining to the problems at hand, paying special attention to complaints about anyone responding to the incidents in a way that might seem suspicious.]

investigator

[kokuyoyo]

....They're really bitter.

[That's Chikusa's only comment from nearby, where he's been sitting silently. Without even really trying, he's ended up in much the same kind of position Ayumu has been vying for: eavesdropping on the workers. Well, eavesdropping on a lot of people, really, but definitely her.]

[Really, if it were anyone else, he'd stay quiet but.... He's aware of who Hakkai's true shinki is. There's no way she can be unaware of at least the state he was put into by the ablution.]

[Maybe if he just... helps her with whatever she's looking for.... She'll not be upset about it...]

[kagenonadeshiko]

They are.

[Her tone's a little chilly compared to its usual warmth when she speaks to Chikusa. It's not even that Ayumu's angry with him exactly, though she's not exactly pleased he was a willing participant in the naming that led to Hakkai winding up in such a poor state. After her talks about wanting to be the best shinki she can for her god, it's hard not to feel a little betrayed that Chikusa endangered him like that. Maybe she's upset with Hakkai, too, for making such a foolish, short-sighted, and selfish decision without so much as text to warn her he'd be bringing another new shinki into their home. But more than anyone, Ayumu's upset with herself for being so distracted and failing so miserably at the moral guidance aspect of her job that she'd nearly lost her god.

Even so, regardless of whatever emotional turmoil or issues Ayumu might be having, they're here to do a job and doing that job comes before her personal feelings.]

It sounds like the contractors are working on something besides construction down below but I haven't been down to verify yet.

[kokuyoyo]

[Ah. She's talking to him, at least, and she hasn't attacked. Chikusa isn't so sure that he'd be as patient, if it were Axel who had involved in a similar situation.... but he tries not to let himself dwell too hard on that.]

[He's been spacing out enough as it is for the past few week. Dwelling will just make it worse.]

[Perhaps that's why he's bothering with this mess at all, if only to give his mind something else to focus on, and his gaze drifts away from her slowly.]

If you had to guess the state of it..... What would you say it's like down there...?

investigators!

[priforprince]

[ Hibiki, for her part, is eavesdropping on the eavesdropper - she noticed Ayumu taking an interest and is now listening to find out what exactly's being said in this conversation, as well as trying to figure out why it might be of interest to this person.

Most people might consider this none of her business. But Hibiki is Hibiki. She decides what's her business and what isn't.

Depending on how sensitive Ayumu is to eyes on her, she may or may notice this attention.... ]

Sorry for the late reply! RL's been hectic this week!

[kagenonadeshiko]

[As a matter of fact, Ayumu is keenly aware she's attracted someone's notice. When one's adapted to being invisible on this shore, it stands out. She senses eyes upon her as she's listening sympathetically to an aggravated older woman expressing a great of bitterness toward the contractors in the basement and the noticeable lack of progress they've been making on the construction down below. After a while, Ayumu bids the lady farewell and good luck, confident she'll be forgotten as soon as she's out of her line of sight, and turns her attention toward the young man (young woman?) watching her as she works.]

Hello. How is your investigation going?

[For Ayumu to have been noticed, it must be a Far Shore resident like her. Perhaps one working the same area she is and there's always a chance they may have heard something she hasn't.]

[priforprince]

[ Her noticing was noticed?

Hibiki doesn't let that phase her, filing away the information she'd gleaned from the conversation for further use. In fact, this person has positioned themselves excellently to gather such intel. She can use that.

Other people really should work so Hibiki doesn't have to. ]

You're the first piece of competence I've encountered.

[ It isn't even a lie! From where she's standing! ]

Secret Shoppers - 3rd Floor > Intrepid Investigators - 6th Floor

[pure_radiantics]

[ Kairi's actually just walked away from the cosmetics area and smiles in Ayumu's direction. ]

I can show you, if you want - before I head on up to the 6th floor.

[She flexes an arm to show she's serious - without saying it straight out loud.]

[kagenonadeshiko]

Oh, thank you. That would be a big help.

[Ayumu smiles.]

It's good to see you again, Kairi-san. I hope you've been well.

[After a brief pause, she adds:]

I was planning to head to the 6th floor as well in a little bit once I'm done investigating here.

[Of course, she's investigating. She's just doing a lot of shopping while she's at it, too. That's all.]

[pure_radiantics]

No problem - I was over there with Lance a little earlier.

[Still a dear friend. And of course she retains her fondness for Ayumu, all things considered.]

You're investigating cosmetics? What are you suspicious of around here, Ayumu?

[She's just as interested in investigating, to be sure. Just very curious.]

Secret Shoppers - 5th Floor

[bartenderizing]

Yeah, sure thing.

[ Shizuo certainly fits the bill for needing someone tall. He reaches to get it without really looking to the person that asked for help. Handing it over, there's just a bit of surprise behind those sunglasses of his. Why are you wearing those indoors, Shizuo?

There's the slightest, though easy to spot, glance at the woman's cart before he has an easy smile to Ayumu. The boxed teaset is held out to her. ]

Ah, hey. Looks like you've been adjusting to things pretty well since we saw each other last.

[kagenonadeshiko]

Thanks, Shizuo-san.

[Ayumu takes the box from him, smiling, and sets it in the cart.]

I think I have. Well, as well as I can.

[She laughs a bit.]

I've been busy with training and studying so it's good to get out for a bit and do some shopping.

[Especially when Heaven's paying. It still doesn't seem fair to dump all of her needs on Hakkai when he had as much choice in this assignment as she did.]

How have you been?

[bartenderizing]

[ That certainly is a full cart, too. He can see just how busy she's been. ]

It's taken people longer to get used to everything in this time. Sounds like you've been working hard, though.

[ Ah, how has he been, though? Needing an ablution, taking part in delivering two ablutions, a dislocated shoulder that had Hakkai on his case for aggravating, Niles' very existence... ]

Me? Uh, pretty good I guess. You could say it's been pretty eventful since then.

intrepid investigators

[revolutionfalcon]

[While people definitely aren't Shun's strong point, he hasn't failed to notice that some have relevant complaints about their situation. So in a moment of quieter time, he pulls himself aside to the food court and lurks by some of the staff chatting at one of the tables.

It seems he's not the only one doing that, though, and once there's a lapse in conversation, his gaze moves to the woman also hovering nearby.]

Overhear anything useful? [She might've caught something before he got here.]

Sorry for the late reply! It's been a rough week

[kagenonadeshiko]

[It's her first time meeting this young man but Ayumu responds without hesitation. He noticed her so he's clearly a resident and given the nature of his question, they have the same mission. There's no reason not to cooperate.]
A few things. It sounds like the contractors are doing something besides construction down in the basement. And whatever's going on may have started long before we were called in to deal with it.

[A pause.]

How about you?

Secret Shoppers

[clothes_make_the_man]

[Forrest did come here to do some shopping of his own, but he's conscientious enough to actually help out too. Thankfully, Ayumu manages to find him after he's donned an employee uniform of his own, and he nods cheerfully at the question.]

Yes, of course! Cosmetics are right this way. I'll show you.

[And from the tone of his reply and his own appearance, Forrest is someone who can provide quite a bit of advice once they get there.]

[kagenonadeshiko]

[The masculine voice is a little jarring, enough that Ayumu does a slight doubletake. In life, disguise had been one of her specialties, a skill she'd taught her younger brother to do and he'd done a fantastic job of masquerading as a girl. While Ayumu's memories might be gone, those skills remain and she can't help but marvel at the young man's apparent skill level.

Truly impressive work.

After a moment, she blushes a little, slightly embarrassed by the fact she's staring, but at least, it's an admiring look she's giving him?]

Thanks. Lead the way.

[She's certainly open to advice, especially from someone of his apparent skill level. Especially when Ayumu's still learning about fashion in this world.]

5th Floor

[mithrarin]

[Easy enough to spot a certain someone; the Near Shore may not notice him, which is probably fortunate for all concerned, but to those who can see him Dust tends to stand out. Maybe it's the fur, or the hat, or the cloak, or the sword, or the tail...]

[Okay, it's probably all of those.]

Sure, no problem. [He motions for her to lead the way, even as he smiles.] You look a little fired up today. Glad to see you're doing better.

[kagenonadeshiko]

Thanks.

[Ayumu smiles back, chuckling a little at his observation. She certainly seems to be in much better spirits than she'd been the last time. There's a healthier glow to her cheeks and more peaceful air about her.

(Well, at least, since the hauntings at the temple stopped. For a while there, she'd been quite violent toward many inanimate objects.)

As for Dust's appearance, it's unusual for sure but Ayumu's adapting well to the unusual. When she lives with Cho Hakkai and all of his odd behaviors and pet dragon that turns into a vehicle, it's a necessary quality.]

It's right this way.

[She walks to the shelving unit in question and points to the top shelf.]

Right up there. The green tea set. And I am. I guess I just needed a little more time to process everything.

Fifth Floor

[smilingbullet]

[ No sane adult would bring a rowdy child into this section of the mall, since they might break a lot of stuff, so he decided to take refuge there for a while. D2 lost a fair bit of mugs and cups during the hauntings as well and needs to buy some new ones, so it's two birds with one stone.

She finds him trying to decide between a pink one with a pig face painted on it, or a similar but with cow patterns and a cow face on it. ]

Oh, hey, yeah, sure, no problem.

[kagenonadeshiko]

Thanks. It's a teaset on the top shelf.

[She smiles cheerfully, her gaze straying to the mugs in his hands.]

Oh, those look cute. Are there any other animals?

[Maybe she could pick up a new mug, too, while she's here.]

3rd floor!

[minogame]

Huh? ( Urashima is quick to spin around when hears someone talk to him-- a familiar voice, no less! He hasn't seen Ayumu in so long, he wonders what she could want but she might as well have spoken to him in French, ) Cosmetics...?

( Its not that he doesn't know what it is-- it's makeup, of course-- but he has no idea where those would be. )

I don't know... maybe where all the girl stuff is?

( Spoken like a true child spirit. )

I just realized they haven't met again in game since she came back orz

[kagenonadeshiko]

[Judging from Ayumu's expression, she doesn't appear to recognize him though her demeanor's still warm and friendly enough. The scars on her skin and eyepatch over her left eye are new additions from the last time he'd seen her as well.]

Girl stuff? Do you mean where the dresses are?

[Ayumu doesn't recall seeing anything like that there but maybe she'd missed something? She should go back.]

Thanks. I'll go take another look.

3rd Floor

[koukai_kirai]

[Hijikata looks pretty out of place on this floor -- but then again, it's not like most people notice him at all, is it? Anyway, he's bought enough clothes for himself for the time being, and maybe Souji won't mind a few gifts if he picks them up in the course of investigating... He's got a few bags on him, too, though not quite so many as Ayumu does. All things in moderation.]

[He turns when he's tapped, his body language relaxing slightly when he sees who it is. It seems like a frivolous question on the surface -- but then, Ayumu's always got her reasons. If she's going to blend in with today's people, she needs the materials for it, doesn't she?]

Hm. Couple of places... were you looking for something specific?

[Hey, just because he doesn't wear the stuff doesn't mean he can't know about it. Hijikata's a man who likes being well-enough informed to have high standards in all things.]

[kagenonadeshiko]

[It's the first time Ayumu's seen him since she met him on the Near Shore. She's been a child and he's been a young man but she recognizes him just the same. And kind of a sense of safety that seems like a natural part of his presence somehow. Between the time she's had to find her footing her and that odd quality, she relaxes visibly, a faint smile rising to her lips]

Ah, I was looking for a kit. And some concealer? I think that's what it's called.

[It's weird how cosmetics seems like something she's familiar with yet some of the names people use feel odd on her tongue.]

The kind that doesn't come off easily. Waterproof, maybe?

[She sounds uncertain and she is. Ayumu had hoped to find someone with enough know how to be able to help her figure out exactly what it is she wants.]